Book Review: The Catcher in the Rye

“It’s funny. All you have to do is say something nobody understands and they’ll do practically anything you want them to.” ~J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye, Chapter 21

Title: The Catcher in the Rye

Author: J.D. Salinger

Genre: Literary realism, coming-of-age story

Number of pages:234

Part I. Book summary

The story is about a 16 year old boy named Holden Caulfield. The story begins with the teenager introducing himself, right from the start you will notice the character is a bit blunt in character. He is suffering from deep grief over the death of his younger brother, Allie, who died from Leukemia three years ago. Holden is unable to connect with his peers, he has no real friends at school, he fights with or criticizes everyone around him. Holden has been kicked out of Pencey Prep. After an argument with his roommate, Holden makes a break for it and the book takes on from there. The ending of the book is quite interesting for many.

Part II. Recommendations/Ratings

I would rate this book a 3.5/5

I found the book was a classic, I had been super hyped about the book. I found it rather difficult to connect with the characters. I would walk around school and everyone was raving about how great the book was. I guess that’s why I wasn’t very shocked with it, once I had completed reading it. Nonetheless, it’s a book I would recommend for everyone. Most importantly, high-school teens and young-adults.

Part III. Additional Information

Jerome David “J.D.” Salinger was an American writer who is known for his widely-read novel, Catcher in the Rye. Following his early success publishing short stories and Catcher in the Rye, Salinger led a very private life for more than a half-century. He published his final original work in 1965 and gave his last interview in 1980